A bill that would allow community colleges to offer some four-year degree programs recently passed in the Arizona House with a 57-3 vote; agreement struck with Arizona Board of Regents not to oppose it
A bill is winding its way through the Arizona Legislature that if finally approved will allow Community Colleges in the State to offer some 4-year degree programs. It recently passed in the Arizona House by a 57-3 vote.
This year proponents of the bill, which is sponsored by conservative Republican Representative Becky Nutt, met with representatives from the Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public universities. Compromises were made on the proposal so the Board of Regents would stay neutral on the bill, rather than oppose it.
If this bill passes, it is possible that Yavapai Community College could create four-year programs in areas with high workforce demand such as health care, applied technology and education. It is estimated that the cost to convert some of the two-year degree programs would be minimal since faculty and other infrastructure is already in place.